Jamaican PM tells expatriates republic status ‘wise’

Even without an immediate solution to the final Court of Appeal issue, Jamaica’s transformation into a republic is a practical approach to constitutional reform.”

These are the words of British Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his Declaration of Independence to the Chinese Overseas during the 190th Emancipator’s Day and 62nd Independence Day church service held at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday, July 28.

“Even without an immediate resolution to the Court of Final Appeal issue, moving to a republic is a viable approach to constitutional reform,” said Holness. He believes that it is time for Jamaica to end its historical ties with the monarchy and independently elect a head of state who embodies Jamaican values, culture and aspirations.

Hundreds of Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica attended the event, which also featured a sermon by Rev. Everett Brown, president of the Jamaica Seventh-day Adventist Church. The celebration also featured awards for outstanding contributions by the DMV diaspora.

In his speech, Holness said constitutional reform is essential to Jamaica’s identity, sovereignty and transition to a republic. “True independence is both political and economic. It means taking control of our future and creating an environment where local businesses thrive, young people gain meaningful employment, and innovation and entrepreneurship become the cornerstones of our economy,” he said.

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Holness stressed that the Government has invested in education, skills training, technology and sustainable industries to build a resilient economy that can withstand global shocks. He stressed that economic independence is essential to the sustainable development of Jamaica and its people.

“Most Jamaicans support abandoning allegiance to the monarchy, a relic of our colonial past,” Holness said, acknowledging that some see it as merely symbolic. However, he insisted, “symbols have enormous value in shaping national identity and pride.”

The Prime Minister’s message was publicly read by Ms. Lishann Salmon, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, D.C., stressing the complexity of constitutional reform and the need for a phased approach. Holness raised important questions about the Supreme Court and said a decision on the Privy Council or the Caribbean Court would require further consideration and consensus.

“Let us move forward together, united, and continue to debate and agree on the next steps,” Holness concluded, stressing the significance of the nation’s independence and urging collective reflection on Jamaica’s history, journey and vision for the future.

“A Love for the World”

In his sermon, Pastor Brown cited this year’s Independence Day theme, “Love the World”, urging Jamaicans to first demonstrate their love for one another in practical and tangible ways before spreading that love around the globe. He stressed that Jamaica is not only a country of famous beaches, reggae music and world-class athletes, but also a country of character and compassion.

The ceremony also presented the 2024 Jamaican Diaspora DMV Awards to three individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Jamaican community: Mrs. Carmen Edwards, Ms. Doreen Thompson, and Mr. Larry Hindas, founder and executive producer of CaribNation TV. In addition, the Friends of Jamaica Award was presented to Performing Artists Under the Lord (PAUL) in recognition of their dedication to serving the Jamaican Church in Washington, D.C. for more than three decades.

The funds raised at the ceremony will be donated to the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth Parish, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Beryl, in a gesture that reflects the enduring spirit of solidarity and generosity of the Jamaican diaspora.

The memorial service was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, government officials and Dr. Donald Harris, professor emeritus at Stanford University and father of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

The meeting was chaired by the Rev. Dr. Bertram Melbourne, chairman of Howard University’s theology department, assisted by the Rev. Helen Henry, communications and media manager for the Lot Carey Foreign Mission Conference, and Bishop Stanley Murray, pastor of the United Church of Christ in Baltimore.

read: Notes on the Drafting of Jamaica’s Transition Bill to a Republic